Redskins.com's Stephen Czarda and Jake Kring-Schreifels breaks down the key plays and highlights from the Washington Redskins' practice Aug. 17, 2016, at the Inova Sports Performance Center.

Offense:

--The Redskins on Thursday returned to practice at the Inova Sports Performance Center at Redskins Park for the last session before Friday's game against the New York Jets. Without pads on, the practice wasn't as physical as some of the previous ones in Richmond, but the competition for roster spots continued. Trent Williams (knee) only worked individual drills once again with Ty Nsekhe taking first-team left tackle reps. Jamison Crowder, meanwhile, said his hamstring is fine and he'll play Friday after not traveling to Atlanta for the preseason opener.

--Trent Williams had some strong throws on various third down plays, including a 23-yard completion to Crowder on a 3rd-and-9 play along with a 15-yard connection with Reed.

--Speaking of Reed, in 1-on-1 situations it's easy to see why he's emerging as one of the league's best tight ends. Even as the sage veteran DeAngelo Hall, Reed's athleticism is simply too much. On their first 1-on-1 matchup of the day, a double-move by Reed gave him all the space he needed to make a nice sideline grab. He would also catch his second pass against Hall before the team moved on to team drills.

--The catch of the day came when Dez Stewart caught a ball on his back that was tipped into the air by T.J. Thorpe, who nearly made a remarkable catch of his own.

--Three different receivers caught beautiful deep ball passes, as Colt McCoy, Ryan Grant and Maurice Harris all hauled in balls for would-be big receptions. Ross, of course, is known for being a deep threat, but Grant – who the team is trying to move closer in on plays – isn't. Still, he's trying to show just how far he's come along entering his third season. Harris caught just one pass for four yards against the Falcons.

--As for the offensive line, Arie Kouandjio once again sprinkled in some left tackle reps with snaps at left guard. Spencer Long and Shawn Lauvao also split first-team reps at left guard. Gruden said it's become a "good competition" between the two for the starting gig. 

(Stephen Czarda)

Defense:

--Because the team essentially went through walkthrough practice for the majority of the day, the defense wasn't allowed to be its usual, physical self, especially without pads on. The coaches, in preparation for the Jets this Friday, primarily wanted to lock down schemes and coverages, giving the team a refresher after an off day yesterday and a scheduled walkthrough on Thursday.

--It was encouraging to see nose tackle Jerrell Powe back on the field after he had to leave training camp early to have a heart procedure. He spent the practice conditioning with a trainer on a side field. Also on the sidelines was Kyshoen Jarrett, whom the Redskins drafted last season and recently released after he suffered a damaging nerve injury in the final regular season game of last year that he couldn't fight through in time. He seemed to be in good spirits on the sideline chatting with his former teammates as he continues to try and gain his strength back on his own.

--Linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy began the session well with some pass rushes that would have tallied sacks and tackles in the backfield. Murphy made a couple nice pushes and gobbled up both Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson on back to back plays, something coaches have to be excited about considering the position reversion he's in the midst of.

--The defense seemed to implement a few more blitz packages during the middle portion of practice to give quarterbacks some quick release tests. One on play, safety Deshazor Everett charged untouched from the right forcing a Nate Sudfeld pass in the flat to Thompson that linebacker Terence Garvin guarded closely. Later, cornerback Dashaun Phillips ran a similar blitz on Kirk Cousins, prompting a dump pass to wide receiver Jamison Crowd

(Jake Kring-Schreifels)

Special Teams:

-- Dustin Hopkins worked on kickoffs near the beginning of practice, booting the ball to Crowder, Rashad Ross and Kendal Thompson. He finished out practice with a perfect round of field goals. Hopkins hit successfully kicks from 40, 43, 45 and 48 yards out to cue the final horn. 

(Jake Kring-Schreifels)